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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 22 of 37

Are wolves becoming domesticated again?

Researchers explore effects of human-provided foods on large predators, finding changes in social structures, movements, and behavior. Human-fed populations often form distinct genetic subgroups, potentially leading to future speciation events.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Lab on a chip designed to minimize preterm births

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a lab on a chip that can predict preterm births with up to 90% accuracy. The device takes a finger-prick's worth of blood and measures biomarkers associated with preterm birth, providing an early warning system for doctors.

Both too much, too little weight tied to migraine

A meta-analysis of 288,981 participants found that obesity and being underweight are associated with a higher risk of migraine. Obese individuals were 27% more likely to have migraine than those of normal weight, while underweight individuals were 13% more likely.

A simple sniff

Researchers developed a non-invasive nanoparticle delivery method that can target the brain via the nasal cavity, reaching it within minutes. The approach uses aerosol science and engineering principles to generate monodisperse nanoparticles that pass through the brain-blood barrier.

Geography and culture may shape Latin American and Caribbean maize

A recent study published in PLOS ONE analyzed 194 native Latin American maize populations, revealing three distinct geographic groups of maize in Mexico and four groups in South America and the Caribbean. The findings suggest that genetic variation in maize populations may reflect human migration patterns and agricultural development.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Exercise associated with improved heart attack survival

Research found that participants who exercised had a lower risk of dying from a heart attack, with a dose-response relationship between exercise level and mortality rate. Regular physical activity may help develop collateral blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.

Human cognitive map scales according to surroundings

A new study at the University of Texas at Austin reveals that humans have an adaptive coordinate system that rescales its internal map according to the environment's size. This flexibility allows humans to navigate diverse places with ease. The research provides valuable insights into the human memory and spatial navigation, shedding l...

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Early school starts pit teens in a conflict between society, biology

Research by Mary Carskadon shows that teenagers need more sleep than they get due to conflicting societal expectations. Studies have found that as children age, their circadian rhythms shift later, making it harder for them to wake up early. This can lead to sleep disorders and decreased academic performance.

Mapping food color regulations in the EU and the US

A new study reviews EU and US food colouring legislation to find ways to reduce regulatory barriers to international trade. Key findings include differing rules on colour additives, labelling requirements, and natural vs synthetic colours.

Gut microbes contribute to age-associated inflammation: Mouse study

A mouse study reveals that gut microbes play a crucial role in age-associated inflammation and premature death. Imbalances in the gut microbiome lead to leaky intestines and trigger inflammation. Researchers hope to develop drugs or probiotics to restore gut barrier function and reduce age-related inflammation.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Collisions generate gas in debris disks

Research finds atomic carbon in young star systems' debris disks, indicating minimal hydrogen presence. This suggests the gas is generated through collisions rather than being primordial.

Retraining the brain to see after stroke

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center developed a personalized visual training program to reroute visual information around damaged areas of the brain. Patients regained large swaths of rudimentary sight, with some able to recover vision enough to drive again.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New, persistent opioid use common after surgery

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that approximately 6% of patients continued to use opioids more than three months after surgery. Risk factors for persistent opioid use included preoperative tobacco use, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and preoperative pain disorders.

Report reveals prevalence of sexual assault in nursing homes

A systematic review of 15 studies found that most vulnerable nursing home residents are at risk of becoming victims, while legal examinations are often infrequent due to administration complexities. The report also highlights the underreporting of sexual assaults in nursing homes, with only 1% of staff-to-resident incidents reported.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Elephants' 'body awareness' adds to increasing evidence of their intelligence

Researchers tested Asian elephants' body awareness, finding they stepped off a mat to pass a stick to an experimenter 42 times on average, significantly more often than during a control test. This demonstrates their understanding of their bodies as obstacles, similar to young children's understanding at around two years old.

Look to lactate to help predict ill cats' prognoses, Penn Vet study says

Researchers found cats with normal lactate levels had better survival rates than those with high lactate levels, with a five-day survival rate of 57% compared to 17%. The study suggests lactate can be a helpful measure in evaluating prognosis and making treatment decisions for critically ill cats.

Melatonin may protect the small intestine from oral radiation treatment in rats

A study published in PLOS ONE found that melatonin can protect the small intestine of rats from radiotherapy-induced toxicity. Melatonin reduced intestinal cell death and inflammation, facilitating intestinal recovery. This suggests oral treatment with melatonin may help prevent radiotherapy-induced gut toxicity in cancer patients.

More than a 'gut feeling' on cause of age-associated inflammation

Researchers at McMaster University found that imbalances in gut microbes lead to intestinal leakage, triggering inflammation, impaired immune function, and reduced lifespan. The study suggests targeting age-associated inflammation may improve immune health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Tick tock, stay ahead of the aging clock!

Researchers at Babraham Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute identified a mouse epigenetic ageing clock, which shows age-related changes in DNA methylation. The accuracy of the mouse clock is surprisingly similar to humans, with lifestyle interventions affecting ticking rate.

On-the-range detection technology could corral bovine TB

A new assay allows for direct measurement of pathogen biomarkers in bovine blood, enabling discrimination between exposure and infection. This breakthrough supports the global One Health strategy and has potential applications for diagnosing diseases in cattle, elephants, and other species.

SERIS develops world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module

The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has developed the world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module, capable of producing up to 400 Watts of electric power. The module features a double-glass structure, low-temperature interconnections, and high-efficiency ZEBRA solar cells.

Study identifies effects of EU expansion on labor, research

A study by UC Merced Professor Alexander M. Petersen and Michelangelo Puliga found that the EU expansion facilitated the inter-European circulation of highly skilled workers in various fields, including medicine, technology, education, science, engineering, and business.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Naked DNA in water tells if fish have arrived

Researchers have recorded spring fish migrations by analyzing DNA in water samples, providing a harmless and economical alternative to traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that environmental DNA can be used to monitor fish populations, estimate abundance, and track distribution.

Developing a microinsurance plan for California earthquakes

A new microinsurance plan for California earthquakes aims to provide financial support to residents who fall into a 'payout zone' after an earthquake. The plan, developed by Kate Stillwell, uses data on seismic shaking intensity to create a payout zone defined by census blocks and shaking intensities.

Tool for checking complex computer architectures reveals flaws in emerging design

Researchers at Princeton University discovered over 100 errors in RISC-V instruction specification that could cause software running on chips to perform calculations using incorrect values. The findings highlight the importance of correcting these issues to ensure the reliability and safety of systems relying on RISC-V processors.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study of sleep apps finds room for improvement

A study of 35 popular phone-based sleep apps found that most help users set sleep-related goals and track their sleep patterns, but few provide general information about sleep or its benefits. The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in the development of these apps to educate users about the importance of sleep.

Is there something up with stinky inflatable pool toys?

Researchers found that common odour compounds like cyclohexanone, isophorone and phenol are present in high concentrations in inflatable pool toys. These chemicals have potential health risks, including irritation and carcinogenic effects.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Surprising brain change appears to drive alcohol dependence

A new study by Scripps Research Institute reveals a key difference in the brains of alcohol-dependent and nondependent rats. Alcohol increases activity in the central amygdala through two distinct brain signaling pathways, which can be targeted for personalized treatments.

Why treating animals may be important in fighting resurgent tropical disease

A University of Washington study suggests that monitoring and potentially treating monkeys that co-exist with humans in affected areas may be part of the global strategy for eradicating yaws, a tropical disease. The researchers found that infected monkeys were more common in regions experiencing recent upsurges in reported cases.

More than $16 billion spent on cosmetic plastic surgery

In 2016, Americans spent over $16 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery, with a national average cost of $3,719 for breast augmentation. The report also highlights the increasing popularity of minimally-invasive procedures like botulinum toxin type-A injections and hyaluronic acid fillers.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Predicting a patient's future firearm violence risk in the emergency department

Researchers developed a clinical risk index tool to gauge future firearm violence risk among urban youth, considering peer and partner violence, community exposure, and family influences. The SaFETy score demonstrates superior predictive power, helping emergency physicians identify high-risk individuals and tailor preventative services.

UBC researchers connect common fats to a lazy lifestyle and diabetes

A new study published in PLOS One found a significant correlation between the consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and sedentary behavior in pre-teen girls. The research also suggests a weak association between PUFA intake and diabetes risk among adult women in Europe. Researchers recommend further studies to confirm ...

How some battery materials expand without cracking

Scientists found that certain electrode materials can accommodate large volume changes by transforming into a glassy phase, making them less prone to cracking. This discovery could lead to the development of longer-lived and higher-capacity batteries.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

How polar bears find their prey

Researchers found that polar bears use crosswind movement to detect seals, with best conditions at night during winter. Climate change projections suggest increased winds may hinder this ability, impacting hunting success.

4-D printing gets simpler and faster

A research team introduced a new approach to simplify and increase the potential of 4D printing, which allows high-resolution components to be designed, printed, and transformed into new permanent configurations using heat. This method saves time and materials by up to 90% and completely eliminates the mechanical programming process.

Gene-editing alternative corrects Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully corrected Duchenne muscular dystrophy using the gene-editing enzyme CRISPR-Cpf1. The treatment restored production of the missing dystrophin protein, providing a promising new tool for treating this progressive disease.

Art of paper-cutting inspires self-charging paper device

A new paper-based device harnesses mechanical energy from body movements to charge small electronics, offering an untethered alternative to traditional batteries. The lightweight, rhombic design is capable of charging devices to 1 volt in just a few minutes.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Proof that magnesium could prevent fractures

Researchers found that men with lower magnesium levels had an increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures. Higher magnesium levels were associated with a reduced risk of fractures, with no cases reported among those with very high magnesium levels.

NIH scientists advance understanding of herpesvirus infection

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have identified a set of protein complexes that are recruited to viral genes to stimulate both initial infection and reactivation from latency. Environmental stresses also induce reactivation, providing new targets for the development of therapeutics.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.